How to Apply

The graduate program in Biological Sciences offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes original research and prepares students for research, teaching, and curatorial careers in academic, governmental, and industrial settings. Opportunities for student research range from theoretical to applied questions and from laboratory research to field studies at local and international sites. Please note that we typically do not admit M.S. students into the department. Rare exceptions are sometimes made with the support of individual faculty members, mostly for students applying to the E&E track.  Students are admitted for Fall semester only.

To our applicants for Fall 2025 admission: Heading link

Thank you for considering graduate study in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. To
receive full consideration, applications must be received by December 15th.  Applications received after this may be reviewed on a case by case basis, depending on the needs of the department.

The Required Materials

  • Personal statement
  • Resume or curriculum vitae/CV
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • International Students: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Details and Notes for Application Process

The Application Process To begin your application process, go to the "Apply Now!" link above. Use the scroll down menu to select the PhD Biological Sciences link. The system will prompt you to create a user ID and password. You can then enter your application information. Once you submit this information and the application fee, the system will send you further instructions (typically in the next several business days) for using the checklist to upload materials and generate requests to your recommenders for letters.
UIC Portal Details Please note that you do not have to enter and submit all application information, or upload all materials, at one sitting. You can return to the system checklist as often as you like to see what materials have been successfully uploaded and what may be still outstanding. Official transcripts are not necessary until you are offered admission.
References and Transcripts Applicants do not send hard copy academic documents/transcripts to UIC, but rather scan and upload these for the department and graduate admissions to review. Submission of official sealed (or official electronic) academic documents/transcripts becomes a requirement only if an applicant is admitted. You enter the email address of the recommender and the system generates a confidential email request for them to upload their letter.

FAQ for Potential Applicants

Click here to see an FAQ for commonly asked questions about the graduate application process.  If you have additional questions, please email Beth Brand (bethann@uic.edu)